The press service of the President of Uzbekistan published congratulations addressed to Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the 34th anniversary of the country’s independence. The publication noted that greetings were received from “heads of foreign states, parliaments and governments, leaders of major international and regional organizations, large corporations and companies, prominent foreign politicians, public and religious figures.”
Putin first in the list of congratulations
The press service did not specify the principle by which the list was arranged, but the first congratulation in it was from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The relations between our states are dynamically developing in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance,” Putin’s message said. He emphasized the “effective coordination” of efforts within the CIS, SCO and other multilateral structures, and expressed confidence in further strengthening of mutually beneficial Russia–Uzbekistan ties.
China and the USA second and third
The congratulation from PRC Chairman Xi Jinping was placed second. He called China a “friendly neighbor” and “all-weather strategic partner” to Uzbekistan.
In third place was the message from U.S. President Donald Trump, which highlighted the “significant” joint work in strengthening borders, developing trade and investment, as well as promoting freedom of religion and regional stability.
Other greetings from leaders and organizations
Further congratulations in the list were from the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan (both father and son), Azerbaijan, Belarus, Turkey, India, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, South Korea, the EUCO, Germany, and Italy. Each of them was presented with a separate text.
Ukraine missing from the published list
After that, a list of another 40 congratulators was published — presidents, prime ministers, kings, and secretaries-general of international organizations. Ukraine was not on the list. At the bottom, there was a note: “Greetings continue to arrive.”
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy published congratulations from Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day. At that time, Mirziyoyev emphasized that the relations of the two countries are “based on traditional friendship and the principles of long-term cooperation,” and that these relations will continue to develop in the interests of both peoples. Zelensky thanked him for the congratulations.
Mirziyoyev’s speech: Central Asia and multi-vector policy
Interestingly, at the ceremony of celebrating the 34th anniversary of independence on August 29, Mirziyoyev spoke about a multi-vector foreign policy. He set priorities differently: first came the states of Central Asia, then the CIS countries, the SCO, the United States, Europe, and “other developed countries.” After that — South Asia, the Middle and Near East, Africa. Relations with Afghanistan and assistance to the people of Palestine were mentioned separately.
Why different emphasis: domestic audience and foreign capitals
Different formats
- At a public ceremony, Mirziyoyev is obliged to emphasize multi-vector policy, to show balance: “we are open to everyone,” “Central Asia comes first,” etc.
- On the website with congratulations, priority is given to Russia, then China and the USA — this is a diplomatic signal to specific addressees, not an internal declaration.
Real political weight
Russia and China are the main foreign policy partners, on which depend security, labor migrants, investments in energy and infrastructure. The USA is important but stands in third place. Other countries appear in the broader list.
Different audiences
- The ceremony of celebrating the 34th independence anniversary is for the domestic audience and the region: to show independence and “our own face” in foreign policy.
- The presidential website is for foreign capitals, especially Moscow and Beijing, where the order in the list is read as a sign of respect.
Diplomatic compromise
Mirziyoyev demonstrates multi-vector policy in words, but in practice he takes political reality into account: Russia and China must see themselves in front, so as not to think that Uzbekistan is shifting toward the USA or the EU.